Recommendations from paediatric dentistry associations of the Americas on breastfeeding and sugar consumption and oral hygiene in infants for the prevention of dental caries: A bibliometric review

Abstract

[EN] Background The Internet provides a plethora of information on health issues related to children's oral health.

Aim Identify online recommendations of paediatric dentistry associations of the Americas (PDAAs) regarding breastfeeding practices, weaning, sugar introduction and initiating oral hygiene.

Design Websites of PDAAs were accessed to record recommendations/questions (Q) relevant to early childhood that specifically covered issues about exclusive breastfeeding-Q1, indications of bottle feeding-Q2, when and how to start weaning-Q3 and Q4, respectively, association of breast milk and dental caries-Q5, when to start oral hygiene and how to introduce it-Q6 and Q7, respectively, and guidance on the introduction of sugar-Q8. Similarity/dissimilarity frequencies between the associations (Euclidean distances) were calculated.

Results From 35 countries on the two American continents, 21 associations were affiliated with the International Association of Paediatric Dentistry and/or the Latin American Pediatric Dentistry Association, whereas eight did not have websites. Higher (P < .05) dissimilarities for Q6 (68.2%), Q7 (72.7%), and Q8 (62.1%) were observed. Results were similar for Q1 and Q5 (P > .05). No association mentioned Q2, Q3 or Q4 responses, whereas Q7 was the most frequently discussed issue.

Conclusion Not all of the investigated issues are mentioned on websites of PDAAs, potentially stymieing efforts by both the layperson and health professional to gather information.